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Kathleen Meriwether ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Kathleen Meriwether ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
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Role of In-House Counsel in a Large Governmental Investigation
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Role of In-House Counsel in a Large Governmental Investigation DO NOT completely turn over the reins to your outside counsel – need to effectively partner to maximize the value of any cooperation You know your business and how it operates better than either the prosecutors/investigators or your outside counsel
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What Do You Need to Focus On?
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation What Do You Need to Focus On? Understanding the specifics of the allegations being investigated, to the extent possible – is it a kickback case, improper marketing, pricing/billing irregularities? Line up the right people to become involved, participate in formulation of any document hold instructions to avoid documents/areas of inquiry being missed or mistakes being made.
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What Do You Need to Focus On?
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation What Do You Need to Focus On? Understand not only what the case is about from your perspective, but also from the government’s perspective. Is the case about possible harm to patients? Are there allegations of fraud on the FDA or other regulators? Does it appear that the main harm was damage to federal or state benefit programs? Any political considerations? Congressional Hearings? Possible Qui-Tam/Internal relator? Are criminal charges being discussed?
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Know Your Counsel; Know Your District
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Know Your Counsel; Know Your District Different offices and even different prosecutors in the same office can have very different relationships, style and perspectives e.g., - deferred prosecution agreements – widely used in some districts, never used in others Be aware of the involvement and role of criminal AUSAs, State AGs offices, Department of Justice in the particular matter – the “government” is not a monolith.
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How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Don’t be afraid to seek the input of counsel based on their effectiveness/relationship with a particular US Attorney’s Office or their comfort level with a particular type of case. Conversely, don't be afraid to bring alternate counsel in if the negotiations are sidetracked or seem to be bogged down in personal animosity.
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Additional Considerations:
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Additional Considerations: Damages – do not leave this until the end. Work with counsel and outside experts on damage models and calculations as the case is progressing. This area is evolving – a proactive, thoughtful, empirical approach can be invaluable as the case progresses. CIA Provisions – make sure you have a good handle on what is negotiable and what is not, so that you can prepare your Company for what is to come.
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Additional Considerations:
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Additional Considerations: “Covered Conduct” Is it in your client’s best interest to have this be broad or narrow? What else is out there?
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How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Cooperation Just about everyone (Companies and Individuals) say they want to “cooperate” with the government for purposes of Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Is there any value to a less-litigious approach to a large-scale investigation i.e., affirmative disclosures by the Company vs. asking the government to explain its case Considered (vs. shotgun) approach to attorney-client privileged documents Frequent communications with government counsel on substantive (not production) issues.
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Additional Considerations:
How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Additional Considerations: Is a lengthy vs. short investigation in your client’s best interests? Pros and Cons – financially and operationally
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How the Recent Landmark $311 Million Device Settlements Will Change Industry Practices Practical Considerations for Cooperating in an Investigation Conclusion: For corporate counsel – Be involved, every step of the way, with outside counsel and learn as much as is possible about the Government’s theories, approach and concerns. Educate government counsel and outside counsel about your company, its operations and culture. Educate your company internally about the reality of the investigation, what it means now, and what it may mean in the future.
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